CHILE

SO the journey didnt get off to the best of starts!  First of all Heathrow couldnt handle the amount of bags passing through so we had to wait an extra hour to check in, then the flight was delayed for 75 minutes.  Finally arriving in Madrid, I had a mad dash to make my connecting flight only to board the plane then sit on it for 90 minutes before take off because the air traffic controllers were having an arguement!  That said the LAN cabin crew were fantastic and we all got drinks, blankets (which Ive stolen), pillows and some fabulous food (well as far as plane food goes). 

13 hours later and we started to pass over the Andes, and thanks to the delay the sun was rising producing the most amazing views Ive ever seen.  It was extremely awe-inspiring, but unfortunately couldnt get my camera out as by law you have to have your seatbelt fastened when passing over the mountains.

Having landed the whole process through the airport was simple, despite me thinking I was going to be interrogated about not having a visa etc.  What shocked me the most was the journey from the airport to the hostel.  We passed slums, wooden huts, houses with tin roofs, and slowly the quality of living improved to the extreme luxury.  Another shocking thing is the difference in Spanish-  I really had no idea what the driver was asking me but I think I replied correctly :D

Now at the hostel, the staff are extremely friendly and I feel completely relaxed and welcomed in Chile.  Just got to wait a couple of hours to get my room, then Im off to find food and drink, and maybe buy a chilean mobile.  From being pretty nervous and scared of what to expect here, I feel pretty comfortable now, but this could change when I step out into the real world!